7-Day Russia Friends Itinerary (Mid-Range) | Complete Plan
A practical 7-day plan for friends on a mid-range budget that combines Moscow and St. Petersburg highlights. Pace balances sightseeing, short day trips, and evening socializing..
💡 Local currency is the Russian ruble (RUB). Check exchange rates before travel and convert a small amount on arrival; use cards in major cities. Avoid exchanging large sums on the street.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Moscow Centre
~$120Arrive at Sheremetyevo/Domodedovo, transfer to hotel (09:00–11:30). Check in and rest briefly. Start with Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral for photos and views (11:30–13:30).
Grab lunch near Nikolskaya Street then visit the Kremlin (cathedrals and Armoury) and nearby museums (14:00–17:30). Pre-book tickets to save time.
Evening stroll on Old Arbat, dinner at a mid-range Russian restaurant suited for groups (20:00). Suggested spot: Dr. Zhivago or a local Arbat eatery.
All Days Overview
Day 1: Arrival and Moscow Centre
Arrive at Sheremetyevo/Domodedovo, transfer to hotel (09:00–11:30). Check in and rest briefly. Start with Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral for photos and views (11:30–13:30). • Grab lunch near Nikolskaya Street then visit the Kremlin (cathedrals and Armoury) and nearby museums (14:00–17:30). Pre-book tickets to save time. • Evening stroll on Old Arbat, dinner at a mid-range Russian restaurant suited for groups (20:00). Suggested spot: Dr. Zhivago or a local Arbat eatery.
Day 2: Museums, Metro and Local Vibes
Tour the ornate Moscow Metro stations (09:00–11:00), then visit the Tretyakov Gallery (new or old gallery) depending on preference (11:30–13:30). • Lunch near Novodevichy, then visit Christ the Savior Cathedral and stroll along the Moskva River or Gorky Park (14:30–17:30). • ..
Day 3: Day Trip to Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)
Depart by local train from Yaroslavsky Station (08:00–09:30) to Sergiev Posad. Visit the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius and monastery grounds (09:30–12:30). • Lunch locally, browse craft markets, visit a small museum or cafes, then return to Moscow by train in the afternoon (15:00–18:00). • Relaxed evening in Moscow with dinner at Izmailovo market area or a traditional Russian tasting dinner (20:00).
Day 4: Transfer to St. Petersburg by High-Speed Train
Check out early and head to Yaroslavsky/Leningradsky Station for the Sapsan to St. Petersburg (08:00–12:30, ~4h). Arrive and check into hotel. • Intro walk along Nevsky Prospekt, visit Kazan Cathedral and local churches, lunch at a Nevsky cafe (13:30–16:30). • Dinner by the river or try a casual restaurant with Russian seafood. Suggest a live-music spot around Nevsky for evening socializing.
Day 5: The Hermitage and Palace Square
Pre-book Hermitage tickets and spend the morning at the State Hermitage Museum (09:00–13:00). Focus on highlights or take a short guided tour for the group. • Lunch near the museum then visit St. Isaac's Cathedral and climb the dome for panoramic city views (14:00–17:00). • . Suggest a group dinner at a mid-range restaurant serving Russian dishes.
Day 6: Peterhof Fountains and Evening Canal Cruise
Depart early by bus or hydrofoil to Peterhof (09:00–10:30). Explore the fountain gardens and palace (10:30–14:00). • Return to the city for a light lunch, then visit the Yusupov Palace or Fabergé Museum depending on group interest (15:00–17:30). • At dusk take a canal cruise to see bridges and night lighting (19:30–21:00). Finish with a farewell dinner for the friends group.
Day 7: Churches, Shopping and Farewell
Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and enjoy a final walk along the canals (09:00–11:30). • Shop for souvenirs at Gostiny Dvor or local markets, have a final lunch, and return to the hotel to prepare for departure (12:00–15:00). • Transfer to Pulkovo Airport for departure. Final tip: arrive 2–3 hours before international flights depending on schedule.
General Trip Tips
- 1Visa required: obtain a tourist visa before travel and keep copies of invitation/hotel confirmations.
- 2Pre-book tickets for the Hermitage, Kremlin and high-speed trains to avoid queues.
- 3Use the metro for fast, budget travel; consider daily/group transport passes where available.
- 4Carry some rubles in cash for small vendors and markets, but rely on cards in big venues.
- 5Stay safe: keep belongings secure, set meeting points for the group and avoid poorly lit areas at night.
FAQ
Total cost?
Best time?
Is it flexible?
Airport to hotel?
Want a different itinerary?
Use the trip planner to design a custom one
Related to Russia
Last updated: